Patents Examined by Albert Paladini
  • Patent number: 5488258
    Abstract: A power detector is provided for detecting closing of a power switch in a power supply, for producing a power-on signal after a predetermined time from detection of the closing of the power switch. An abnormality detector is provided for detecting an abnormal voltage produced in a circuit of a power amplifier, for producing an abnormality signal when detected. In response to the power-on signal, an output stage of the power amplifier is activated, and the output stage is cut off in response to the abnormality signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: Pioneer Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Jun Honda
  • Patent number: 5486726
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a power supply control system for the peripheral equipment of a computer which generates a signal for automatically cutting off the input power supplied to the peripheral equipment after a user has stop working on a computer for a predetermined period of time. Power to the peripheral equipment is then resumed when data is input to the computer system through an input. This system includes a first switching mechanism, an input-output sensing programmable array logic unit (PAL), internal-operation sensing programmable array logic unit, second switching mechanism, a counter and a controlling programmable array logic unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Heejo Kim, Jongyong Leem, Bongrak Choi, Kyungsang Lee, Kyungseol Min
  • Patent number: 5486725
    Abstract: A security electrical interrupt device for preventing unauthorized usage of an electrical appliance such as an electric stove, while retaining operation of auxiliary electrical equipment such as the lights and an electrical clock. The device comprises a relay controlled by a micro-processor based programmable controller which measures the amount of electrical supply current being drawn by the appliance. A software computer program stored in the micro-controller commands the relay to disconnect the supply power if any person attempts to operate any part of the appliance which draws electrical current exceeding a preset limit while the controller is in the interrupt mode. The micro controller is programmed to enter the interrupt mode by 1) key sequences entered on a small detachable keypad, 2) when a programmed amount of time has elapsed since the last authorized usage, or 3) by removal of the detachable key pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Inventors: Daniel J. Keizer, Steven A. Lax, Robert K. Muylwyk
  • Patent number: 5483110
    Abstract: One paired wiring traveling in parallel to a transmission path of a signal and a transmission path of reference voltage is used, and a terminal end resistor matched with the characteristic impedance is installed, and in a receiving circuit connected thereto, a differential input circuit with offset set to about 1/2 of the terminal end voltage is used, and an output circuit of open drain is used in a transmitting circuit. A high-speed information processing section using such a bus circuit and a low-speed information processing section using a conventional low-speed bus are mutually connected through an interface circuit to construct the system hierarchically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Koide, Masao Mizukami, Satoshi Hososaka, Junya Kudoh
  • Patent number: 5481140
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a power distribution control system for suppressing a total quantity of working current in a group of loads to a level equal to or lower than a set quantity of current by controlling the loads. The power distribution control system includes a central communication terminal and a plurality of customer communication terminals connected to the center communication terminal through communication lines. Each of the customer communication terminals is responsive to a presentation signal from the center communication terminal that requests time periods for, and quantities of power reduction. The central communication terminal also provides a response signal to selected customer communication terminals. The response signal indicates that a proposal for power reduction by the customer has been accepted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Maruyama, Masahiro Inoue, Noriyuki Kushiro, Rieko Iwatsubo
  • Patent number: 5479055
    Abstract: An electronic assembly has a substrate with several conductive tracks and with a switching matrix within the thickness of the substrate. Several groups of identical integrated circuits are mounted on the substrate, one circuit from each group being operatively connected into the assembly by the switching matrix. A processor detects malfunction of a circuit and controls the switching matrix to disconnect that circuit and operatively connect into the assembly an alternative circuit from the same group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Smiths Industries Public Limited Company
    Inventor: Edward S. Eccles
  • Patent number: 5473204
    Abstract: A time delay switch for use with an electrical load and a source of electrical power, including a multiple-position toggle switch and a user-programmable microchip. The toggle is movable among three positions: an "OFF" position, an "ON" position on one side of the OFF position, and a "TIMER" position on the other side of the OFF position. The toggle is biased from TIMER to OFF so that, whenever it is moved to TIMER, it returns to the central OFF position. When the toggle is moved to TIMER, an electrical signal is sent to the microchip that (1) starts a clock for a preselected period of time and (2) permits electricity to flow through the switch as though the toggle was in the ON position during that time. Alteratively, the microchip can be programmed to start passing current after the preselected period elapses. Thus, the device can be used to turn a light or other electrical load off after a user-determined period of time, or to turn the load on after a preselected time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Inventor: Thomas D. Temple
  • Patent number: 5469002
    Abstract: A bi-level current limiting circuit is provided for purposes of maintaining safe battery operation in hostile or otherwise volatile environments. The bi-level current limiting circuit includes two sub-circuits, a first sub-circuit for establishing a maximum current level output from a battery pack into which the circuit is incorporated, and a second sub circuit for establishing a steady state current level output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott M. Garrett
  • Patent number: 5463261
    Abstract: A power conservation device for a peripheral interface module configured for use in an electronic device includes a sensing means that senses whether the module is in use, and a switching means that connects power from the electronic device to the module when the module is in use, and disconnects power from the electronic device to the module when the module is not in use. The peripheral interface module is designed for use with a peripheral device that is coupled to the module via a peripheral device plug. The peripheral device plug engages a socket provided in the module. The sensing means senses whether the plug engages the socket as an indication of whether the module is actually in use. In response, the switching means disconnects power from the electronic device to the module when the plug does not engage the socket, and connects power from the electronic device to the module when the plug does engage the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Louis J. Skarda, Stanley H. Miller, Timothy L. McCullough
  • Patent number: 5455465
    Abstract: A train car with mirror image electrical couplings having mirror image halves at each end for connecting train lines in each car to corresponding train lines in adjacent cars, regardless of the end-to-end orientation of the car, has selected pairs of train lines connected to corresponding pairs of switches for each end of the car for switching the halves of each selected pair of train lines between one or the other halves of the mirror image electrical couplings, depending on the orientation of the car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Alcatel Canada, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence T. House
  • Patent number: 5449958
    Abstract: An electrical circuit incorporating an improved diode expander network for an EMAT having a coil and a radio frequency power source which emits radio frequency power, and which blocks noise and interference while having the ability to operate at high frequencies and high current/power levels. A matching transformer having a primary side is operatively connected to the radio frequency source for receiving the radio frequency power. The transformer also has a secondary side having a first leg and a second leg. The matching transformer is normally a step-down transformer. A diode expander network is provided having a first pair of composite diodes connected in parallel with respect to each other to the first leg of the transformer, and a second pair of composite diodes connected in parallel with respect to each other to the second leg of the transformer. Each composite diode has a plurality of diodes arranged in a series and parallel relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Daniel T. MacLauchlan, Karl C. Henderson